Spousal support
by Julie Gray
Published on August 21, 2025 · 2 min read
What is spousal support?
Spousal support is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another after separation or divorce to help maintain financial stability. It’s designed to lessen the economic impact of the breakup, especially when one spouse earns significantly less or gave up career opportunities during the marriage. Spousal support is often used interchangeably with “alimony,” though terminology may vary by state.
Types of spousal support
Temporary support: awarded during divorce proceedings.
- Rehabilitative support: helps a spouse reenter the workforce or complete training.
Permanent or long-term support: may apply after long marriages, particularly when one spouse can't reasonably become self-sufficient.
- Lump-sum support: paid in a single installment instead of monthly payments.
Key elements of spousal support
- Purpose: Spousal support aims to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living and transition toward financial independence.
- Eligibility factors: Courts look at the length of the marriage, income disparity, age, and health of both spouses, contributions to the household, and the receiving spouse’s ability to support themselves.
- Modification and termination: Spousal support can often be changed or ended if there’s a major change in circumstances, such as remarriage, job loss, or retirement.
- Enforcement: If someone fails to pay, the receiving spouse can seek enforcement through wage garnishment, property liens, or court action.
How it differs from child support or alimony
While the terms “spousal support” and “alimony” are often used interchangeably, some states distinguish between the two based on timing or local legal definitions. Unlike child support, which is strictly for the benefit of children, spousal support is focused on balancing the financial relationship between the former spouses.
Because the rules vary widely by state, it’s helpful to understand how spousal support is handled in your jurisdiction and what your options are for negotiating, modifying, or enforcing it. If you're unsure how these laws apply to your situation, speaking with a family law attorney can provide useful guidance.
